Christopher Nkunku is on the verge of exiting Chelsea as a deal for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho edges closer to completion, marking significant transfer activity for Chelsea during this summer window. After arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2023 amid high expectations as one of Europe’s top young forwards, Nkunku’s spell at Chelsea has not gone as planned, with injuries and tactical decisions limiting his impact. Now, a permanent move to AC Milan is set to happen, reportedly for a transfer fee in the region of €35-42 million with add-ons.
Nkunku came to Chelsea following an impressive stint at RB Leipzig, where he was the Bundesliga’s top goalscorer and showcased his abilities with 58 goals and 29 assists in all competitions over two seasons. However, his time in the English Premier League was marred by a serious injury in his first season, restricting him to just 439 minutes of Premier League action. Although fit during the second year, he was not a regular under Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, often limited to cup fixtures. This lack of consistent playing time has led the club and player toward a transfer agreement with AC Milan, a move that appears beneficial for all parties involved.
The Milanese giants have been pursuing a striker amidst issues with other potential signings. Victor Boniface’s medical failure and the need for a reliable attacking option pushed Milan toward securing Nkunku’s signature on a five-year contract. Despite reportedly taking a pay cut to join AC Milan, Nkunku is set for a fresh start in Serie A, where he hopes to revive the form that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
Chelsea, meanwhile, stands to benefit considerably from this transfer. The sale of Nkunku will contribute approximately €35-42 million, a significant fee but less than the €60 million Chelsea initially paid for him. This transfer will further bolster Chelsea’s player sales total for the summer to over €300 million, reflecting a robust income from outgoing transfers amid a major reshaping of the squad. This summer has seen Chelsea engage in numerous sales and purchases, aiming to balance their books and optimize the team composition.
At the same time as Nkunku’s move to Milan is being finalized, Chelsea is pursuing the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United. The winger’s potential arrival complements the Blues’ ongoing transfer strategy of refreshing their attacking options, signaling a new phase under the current management.
In conclusion, Christopher Nkunku’s departure to AC Milan marks the end of a challenging chapter at Chelsea but opens a new opportunity for the French forward to re-establish himself in Italy’s Serie A. Chelsea’s near-complete deal for Garnacho indicates proactive squad improvements, making this transfer window a pivotal moment for the club’s future ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
This transfer saga highlights Chelsea’s continued active presence in the summer market as they navigate the complexities of player fitness, form, and club strategy to build a competitive squad for the upcoming seasons.